Constraints and Standards

Timothy I. Matis, PhD PE

Constraints
Constraints represent things that limit the set of possible or feasible
solutions to a problem. This goes beyond immediate constraints on the
problem, as one might conjecture in optimization, to constraints on the
system that might impact the problem solution. Constraints can be
characterized across multiple dimensions.
In solving a problem it is important to consider all appropriate and
relevant constraints and take those into account when creating
solutions to the problem. Failure to do this results in solutions that
cannot actually be implemented or that require significant modifications
and also results in client dissatisfaction – both are undesirable!
Hard Constraints
Hard constraints are constraints that must be satisfied. Examples include:
1. If a machine is 10 feet tall then it must be placed in a locating with at least a 10 foot ceiling
(probably a bit taller to provide some clearance.)
2. An open flame must be a minimum of 25 feet from a particular flammable material for safety
reasons.
3. The average throughput of a production line must be at least 100 units per day.
4. All work must be completed in one shift because no overtime is allowed.
5. A patient and hospital staff worker interaction space must be sufficiently private that patient
privacy guidelines are satisfied.
6. We must meet all OSHA standards at all times.
7. The return on investment (ROI) must be greater than the minimum attractive rate of return
(MARR)
8. The integrity of our company trumps competitive advantage over our competitors
Soft Constraints
Soft constraints are constraints that are desirable to satisfy but may not necessarily be satisfied.
Often there may be a penalty associated with violating the constraint. Soft constraints may also be
referred to as preferences.
1. Customer orders that are not delivered on time incur a 25% penalty.
2. Overtime can be used in a work setting, but since it costs 1.5 times as much for the labor it is
more expensive.
3. We would like two work areas as close together as possible.
4. We would like to minimize capital expenditures on the improvement project
5. The company would like to be as green as possible in energy consumption and carbon footprint
6. We want to emphasize diversity of thought in our company
7. The company strives to positively impact the economic health of the local community
8. We want to be able to weather changes in the stock and business markets
Constraint Dimensions
Mapping of Sample Constraints
• Physical constraints (hard constraint 1)
• Regulatory constraints (hard constraint 5, 6)
• Safety constraints (hard constraint 2)
• Operating constraints (hard constraints 3 and 4)
• Economic Constraints (hard constraint 7, soft constraint 1,2, 4)
• Environmental Constraints (soft constraint 4)
• Social Constraints (soft constraint 6)
• Political Constraints (soft constraint 7)
• Ethical Constraints (hard constraint 8)
• Sustainability Constraints (soft constraint 8)
Standards
Standards must be known and stated. They may be considered to be
both hard constraints and guiding principles in design. Some common
standards in IE include:
• OSHA (https://www.osha.gov/a-z#M)
• HIPPA (https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html)
• Engineering Code of Ethics (https://www.iise.org/details.aspx?id=299)
• IEEE (https://standards.ieee.org)
• …. Your team needs to find those standards that are related to your
project